Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become more commonplace nowadays thanks to the technology advancement in the past decade. We’ve seen tech giants like Google, Amazon and Facebook invest in self-driving cars, robotic dogs, home automation, etc. The rise of specially designed robots can lend a helping hand in eldercare as well, whether it is doing some manual tasks or giving emotional support to the elderly.

While in some aging countries like Japan, there are just not enough young people to look after the aging society due to low birthrate; most elders in other aging Western countries prefer to stay independently at home. Therefore, the idea of living with robots is to use robots to assist seniors and the home-bound with day-to-day tasks as well as communications.

Not only smart robots can help in doing specific tasks for the elders such as open a door, serve a drink, or turn open a can, some are specialized in giving emotional support too. Studies have proven robots designed for social interaction with elders play an important role with respect to their health and psychological well-being. Besides, companion robots could be a cost effective solution in eldercare because it can significantly reduce the cost of medications as many elderly patients have become less dependent on drugs after living with the robots.

Feel free to visit this special “Living with Robots” series and learn more about how robots can offer special care for the elderly.